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What I do: I am in Principal’s leadership development program, which encompasses three 12-month rotations in varying roles and business units. I have worked as a business analyst in marketer services, as an architect on the corporate business architecture team, as a team leader of claims examiners in group life and disability, as an IT analyst in Principal global investors equities and currently as an e-business consultant in Principal funds. It is an awesome program and I am truly blessed to be a part of it. Outside of working for Principal, I have a couple of side businesses — I provide personal financial planning/consulting, I am getting my feet wet in small business consulting, and finally, I bake homemade dog treats and donate 10 percent of my profits to rescue groups.

Background: I am adopted from South Korea, and have an adopted brother as well. I grew up in Cedar Rapids and was a horrible student. I got in a lot of trouble in middle school and early high school. Luckily, I had an awesome high school teacher who took me under his wing and pushed me to succeed. I got my grades up enough to attend Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

To get away from work, I like to: I love reading — I will read absolutely anything. I also love running with my dogs, Roadie and Rocky, and spending time with friends and family.

The skill I’ve developed most while on the job: Learning how to ask the right questions, and then listen to the answer. I believe you can learn from any person and any opportunity.

Best motivational book I’ve read lately and why I liked it: “The Radical Leap Re-Energized,” by Steve Farber. I loved this book because it inspires me to never settle, and to challenge myself past my normal boundaries.

One thing I would change about the Des Moines area: This is really unrealistic, but I would love if Des Moines had a professional NFL or MLB team.

To be taken seriously as a young professional, it’s important to: Be humble first. Then confident. The one thing I hear all of the time is that young professionals these days are entitled. In order to get past that stereotype, you’ve got to be humble and respect the people around you.

My leadership philosophy: “The difference between a manager and a leader — a manager lights a fire under you, a leader lights a fire within you.” Learning how to influence is the key to everything, and you don’t need to be a formal leader to influence.

I can help you by: I have a true passion for helping people reach financial independence.